Volunteer in Cambodia

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Cambodia Childcare Volunteers

Join PMGY as a childcare volunteer in Cambodia and make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of young children aged 4 to 7, just before they start formal schooling. In the vibrant Takeo Province, you’ll have the chance to bring joy, energy, and creativity to their days. From organising fun educational activities to leading engaging games, your efforts will help nurture these little ones and inspire a love for learning. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact while sharing unforgettable moments with children eager to explore and grow!

Background to the Childcare Program

The early years of a child’s life are critically important, laying the foundation for their future health, happiness, and learning success. As a childcare volunteer in Cambodia, you’ll have the opportunity to think and act creatively. In doing so, you can make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young children within the local community.

Tourism plays a vital role in Cambodia’s economy, and individuals who can speak English with visitors have far greater opportunities than those who cannot. By introducing children to English at an early age, we help set them on a path to developing this essential lifelong skill. Interaction with native English speakers offers an invaluable head start. Our PMGY childcare program in Cambodia supports local children by enhancing their English language skills, improving social integration, and encouraging the development of motor skills.

Every day as a childcare volunteer in Cambodia is unique, and the experience is shaped by what you bring to it. Arriving with plenty of ideas for fun and educational activities will help you make the most of your time and dive straight into the program. Volunteers with children in Cambodia have the chance to get creative and make a significant impact on the daily lives of young ones in the community. If you’re looking for inspiration for gap year volunteer programs, our projects in Cambodia offer incredible opportunities to make a difference.

Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples​

Hope Daycare – Our primary program in Cambodia is based in Takeo Province, south of Phnom Penh, the country’s capital. The children participating in the childcare program come from nearby villages. The daycare centre is located on the same campus as our team’s teaching English program for older children and teenagers. The aim is for the younger children to eventually transition into these programmes as they grow, making integration smoother.

Established in 2018, the daycare program operates in a classroom environment and welcomes up to 50 children aged 4 to 7 each day. Many children travel as far as 7km daily to attend, eager to learn, socialise, and enhance their early education.

This rewarding volunteer project focuses on early childhood development, encouraging social interactions, and establishing routines from a young age. As a childcare volunteer in Cambodia, you’ll also organise fun games and playtime activities during breaks outside the classroom. The project has plenty of open space where you can engage the children in ball games and other outdoor activities.

International volunteers are supported by daily itineraries prepared by the local staff. For volunteer work in Cambodia, there’s an on-site office stocked with resources and textbooks to help you plan lessons. Volunteers with children in Cambodia are encouraged to bring creative and engaging ideas to help manage the class effectively.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day​

On the childcare volunteer abroad program, you’ll prepare, deliver, and lead activities and basic English lessons to support local children. Volunteers with children in Cambodia can expect to spend 3–4 hours per day on the project. Typical working hours for a Cambodia childcare volunteer are from 1–4pm, during which you’ll take on a variety of roles and tasks.

Your day will usually begin with a fun and energetic first hour, featuring songs, games, and basic hygiene routines such as teeth brushing. Once the children have burned off some energy, around an hour is dedicated to learning. This may include recognising the alphabet, practising phonics, or learning basic greetings. These development goals help children get familiar with English as a foreign language and lay the foundation for learning other subjects in the future. The day often wraps up with engaging activities like arts and crafts or group games, which help develop fine motor skills and dexterity.

Volunteers and coordinators have also introduced “Fun Fridays” to the program. This offers volunteers the chance to organise exciting activities or even fund and arrange an afternoon trip for the children. While volunteers may contribute a small amount towards these trips, participation in Fun Fridays is entirely optional.

When you volunteer in Cambodia, it’s a great idea to spend time planning each day. This ensures you get the most out of your project time and provide better learning opportunities for the children. As a Cambodia childcare volunteer, you’ll also have the optional opportunity to assist or lead a class in the English Teaching project for older children. However, this is not a mandatory part of the program.

Cambodia Teaching Volunteers

As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia with PMGY, you’ll help students build a vital skill that can open doors to their future ambitions. Engaging with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are crucial for future employment opportunities. This program is an excellent chance for volunteers teaching English in Cambodia to put their leadership skills into action while making a meaningful and lasting difference in the classroom.

Background to the Teaching Program

The Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s left Cambodia’s education system in ruins. Since then, the Cambodian government has made significant efforts to rebuild it, but progress has been slow. Cambodia continues to have one of the lowest literacy rates in Asia, especially among women. High dropout rates, a shortage of qualified teachers, and overcrowded classrooms remain major challenges facing the country’s education system.

Cambodia’s economy is transitioning from traditional sustenance farming to one driven by industry and services. However, this economic shift has widened social inequality. Less educated and economically disadvantaged individuals are often pushed into lower-paid jobs with limited opportunities for career progression. The growing need for skilled labour has made English language proficiency increasingly essential, particularly in the service sector, which is critical to Cambodia’s expanding tourism industry.

For many children in rural villages, learning English is viewed as the key to improving their daily lives. It opens doors to better job opportunities in fields such as accounting and hospitality, offering a higher standard of living for themselves and their families. As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you will play a vital role in providing free English lessons to children from low-income families. While the children attend public school in the mornings, they continue their education in the afternoons through our English education program. This project focuses heavily on developing English language skills.

During your time teaching English in Cambodia, it is important to bring energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to your lessons. Many students benefit greatly from learning directly from a fluent English speaker, helping them to build confidence and improve their future prospects.

Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples​

Hope School – As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you will be based at a community education program set up by our local team in 2010. The school aims to provide accessible English lessons to children from underprivileged villages. The opportunity to learn English is scarce in this rural area, so children are willing to travel up to 7km each way for just one hour of lessons each day. The school typically has over 150 children attending daily.

Volunteers teaching English in Cambodia are responsible for preparing, delivering, and leading lessons and activities for the children. Classes are organised by ability and age, with group sizes ranging from 5 to 30 children. The children are aged between 7 and 18 years, with younger students usually attending in the afternoon and older students coming in the late afternoon.

As a volunteer teaching English abroad in Cambodia, you will teach a variety of different classes throughout the day. After each class, the children return to their nearby village, and a new class with a different group of students begins. Typically, volunteer work in Cambodia involves leading four classes per day.

Teaching the same classes at consistent times helps you establish a structured routine and build rapport with the children. It also allows you to observe the students’ progress over time, from the beginning of your program to the end. After lessons, many students stay behind to socialise and play games, and some may even ask for one-to-one tuition with volunteers.

As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you are encouraged to make your lessons fun and interactive. This might include storytelling, singing songs, or engaging in arts and crafts activities. There is plenty of outdoor space where you can take the class for playtime at the end of a lesson. If you have a special skill or interest, you are welcome to incorporate this into your lessons too. The project provides a range of resources and textbooks to support your teaching. As a volunteer with children in Cambodia, you are also encouraged to introduce creative and engaging methods for managing the class.

To make the most of your time teaching English in Cambodia, it’s important to plan your lessons in advance. Proper planning will ensure that you deliver the best learning experience for the children. The more time you dedicate to preparation, the smoother your classes will run. You can use the mornings before the project starts or your afternoon break to plan and prepare your lessons.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day

As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, your role will involve preparing, delivering, and leading lessons for students. The typical working hours are from 1pm to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday. During this time, you’ll usually teach 1-hour lessons with a 1.5-hour break in between. As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you will also need to dedicate time to plan your lessons.

Most volunteers lead their own classes, but if you prefer, our team can pair you with a more experienced volunteer to guide you at the start. Please note that this depends on volunteer availability at the time.

The village school is located on the same grounds as the Volunteer House, meaning you’ll only need to take a short walk to reach the project. During your free time, you can prepare lessons, relax in the Volunteer House, or explore the nearby villages.

Volunteers and coordinators have introduced a Fun Friday initiative to the program. On Fun Fridays, volunteers can come together to organise exciting activities for the children. Occasionally, volunteers also arrange and fund an afternoon trip for the children outside of the program. While contributing to these activities is encouraged, participation is completely voluntary, and the cost is typically shared among the volunteers.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Cambodia volunteer program, you should book your flights to Techo International Airport on the Monday start date. The airport code is KTI. Volunteers in Cambodia can arrive at any time up to 9.15pm on their designated Monday start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Cambodia volunteer program is located in the picturesque rural village of Bakod, just two hours from Techo International Airport. This traditional village, nestled in Takeo province, provides an authentic and peaceful experience in a rural area, far from busy tourist trails. However, volunteers can still access popular backpacker destinations on weekends. Bakod is situated 7km from Takeo’s centre and borders provinces such as Kampot, Kampong Speu, and Kandal, while its southern boundary meets Vietnam.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Cambodia are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Cambodia.

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Cambodia will typically begin on Tuesday. The local team will introduce you to the program setup, go over the essential ‘dos and don’ts’ when travelling to Cambodia, familiarise you with the local area, and provide tips on how to make the most of your weekends. Unlike some other destinations, orientation in Cambodia is quite fast-paced, as it blends directly into the daily activities of the project.

By Tuesday afternoon, you’ll already be getting hands-on experience at your placement. This is your first opportunity to see how the project operates, meet your fellow volunteers, connect with the local staff, and interact with the children at the centre. Where possible, our team will pair you with another volunteer for your first couple of days to help you settle in. However, in some cases, you may need to take the lead independently from the start. While this might seem daunting at first, rest assured that our local team is always on hand to support you. Most volunteers quickly adapt to project life and find it to be an incredibly rewarding experience.

During your time in Cambodia, you may also have the opportunity to visit a nearby town, located about 7km from the project. This is a great chance to explore the local market, withdraw cash from the ATM, pick up a local phone or SIM card, and browse convenience stores for any essentials. A tuk-tuk ride into town usually costs around $10 USD, which can be split between passengers sharing the journey.

Please make sure you arrive at Techno International Airport (KTI) in Cambodia on Monday before 9.15pm.

Day 1 (Monday) Arrival

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival at Techo International Airport, you will be greeted by a member of our local team or an appointed driver holding a name sign. The journey to Bakod village will take around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Once you arrive at the accommodation for your volunteer work in Cambodia, you’ll be given a tour of the grounds, introduced to your fellow volunteers and have a chance to catch up with family and friends at home using complimentary Wi-Fi on-site. 

After settling in, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and start getting to know the other volunteers. If you arrive early enough, you may even have the chance to observe or get involved in the project – if you’re not too tired! If your flight arrives late in the evening, you’ll receive your accommodation tour the following morning.

Day 2 (Tuesday) Orientation

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Cambodia will typically begin on Tuesday. The local team will introduce you to the program setup, go over the essential ‘dos and don’ts’, familiarise you with the local area, and provide tips on how to make the most of your weekends. Unlike some other destinations, orientation in Cambodia is quite fast-paced, as it blends directly into the daily activities of the project.

By Tuesday afternoon, you’ll already be getting hands-on experience at your placement. This is your first opportunity to see how the project operates, meet your fellow volunteers, connect with the local staff, and interact with the children at the centre. Where possible, our team will pair you with another volunteer for your first couple of days to help you settle in. However, in some cases, you may need to take the lead independently from the start. While this might seem daunting at first, rest assured that our local team is always on hand to support you. Most volunteers quickly adapt to project life and find it to be an incredibly rewarding experience.

During your time in Cambodia, you may also have the opportunity to visit a nearby town, located about 7km from the project. This is a great chance to explore the local market, withdraw cash from the ATM, pick up a local phone or SIM card, and browse convenience stores for any essentials. A tuk-tuk ride into town usually costs around $10 USD, which can be split between passengers sharing the journey.

Days 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday) Volunteering Begins

Your volunteer project in Cambodia officially begins on Wednesday! As you settle into the program, the team will try to pair you with other volunteers where possible. If you need any assistance at the project, the local team is always nearby, either by phone or through their regular presence at the site. There will always be someone available to help whenever you need support.

Evenings in Cambodia are a great time to unwind with your fellow volunteers. Many volunteers gather around the dinner table, play games, or organise movie and quiz nights. There is also a local café where you can relax and enjoy a change of scenery.

Days 6-7 (Saturday-Sunday) Weekend

Your weekends are free to explore Cambodia’s many incredible destinations. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, visit the stunning temples of Siem Reap, embark on an adventure activity, or immerse yourself in Cambodia’s rich culture, there’s something for everyone! Our local team encourages volunteers to make the most of their free time and is happy to help plan your weekend opportunities, offering travel tips and recommendations along the way.

The Following Weeks

The structure of your following weeks will be similar, with volunteering from Monday to Friday. Time will fly by, so make the most of every moment!

Our local team is there to support you throughout your stay. Whether you need advice on weekend trips, help replacing a lost phone, or just someone to chat with, they’re always available to assist you.

Last Day (Sunday)

Sunday marks the end of your Cambodia volunteer trip with PMGY. If you are heading home, we can help arrange your return airport transfer. Please note that this service is not included in your Program Fee.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Cambodia as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Cambodia. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Cambodia.

Cambodia is warm and humid all year round, with the seasons divided into wet and dry periods. The dry season runs from December to May, bringing plenty of sunshine and little to no rain. The rainy season, typically from June to November, sees short but intense bursts of rainfall. However, all-day rain is rare, so don’t let the monsoon season discourage you from choosing to a volunteer program in Cambodia! In fact, the rainy season can be a welcome break from the heat, and the countryside transforms into a lush, green paradise – perfect for breathtaking views, especially at Angkor Wat.

The hottest months are January to April, when temperatures can soar above 35°C, while the most comfortable weather is between October and December, when it’s relatively cooler, dry, and less humid. No matter when you visit, Cambodia offers incredible experiences throughout the year!

Accommodation – Volunteer House

On the Cambodia volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House, located in the remote village of Bakod. The accommodation is approximately a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Takeo, where you can find local restaurants, convenience stores, and ATMs. Most of our main volunteer projects in Cambodia are based on the same grounds as the Volunteer House, allowing you to live and work alongside other international volunteers.

The Volunteer House offers basic facilities. Bedrooms are typically single-sex dormitories with up to 8 people per room. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and bed linen, but please note that the air conditioning is usually turned off from 10am to 4pm to manage the power supply in the village. Fans and fridges remain operational during this time.

Bathrooms are communal and separate from the bedrooms. There is no hot water, but this is usually not a concern as Cambodia’s climate is hot and humid throughout the year. Volunteers are advised to bring their own toiletries, as many local products, such as shampoo and shower gel, contain bleach. It is recommended to bring these items from home.

Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, though volunteers may also wish to purchase a local SIM card to use with an unlocked mobile phone. Communal spaces include hammocks, providing areas to relax and socialise with other volunteers when you’re not working on your project.

A small café is located just off-site, and a local laundry service is available for a minimal cost. Hand-washing facilities are also provided on-site. Each volunteer is allocated a trunk to store their belongings, which can be secured with a small padlock (please bring your own). Alternatively, valuables can be stored securely with the local team. Volunteers should note that cupboard space is not available in the dormitory rooms.

The Volunteer House is located on the same campus as the local coordinators’ residence. This setup allows you to have your own space while still benefiting from the support and security of having the local team nearby. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Cambodian culture and practise your language skills. Most of our volunteer work in Cambodia is conveniently based on the same site as the Volunteer House.

During our busiest months, you may be accommodated in one of our secondary Volunteer Houses. These alternate accommodations provide the same core amenities but may differ slightly in location or setup.

Meals

During your volunteer trip to Cambodia, you will be provided with breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday at the Volunteer House. Breakfast typically includes toast, eggs, jam, noodles, tea, and coffee. Dinner is a mix of traditional Cambodian dishes with the occasional western meal. Filtered drinking water is available at no cost.

You will need to purchase your own lunch during the program. Volunteers often visit the local town or market a few times a week to stock up on supplies such as noodles, pasta, or snacks, which can be stored at the accommodation. Some food options are also available from the café just off-site.

If you choose to remain at the Volunteer House over the weekend, please note that meals will not be provided during this time. You will need to prepare or purchase your own food. However, many volunteers take this opportunity to travel and explore Cambodia during their free time.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

Here’s an example of the meals you can expect:

Breakfast – Toast, Eggs, Noodles, Tea/Coffee

Lunch – Not Included

Dinner – Chicken Curry, Pasta, Noodles, Jacket Potatoes

On the Cambodia volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is included in your Program Fee. The main project is conveniently located on the same grounds as the volunteer accommodation, making the daily commute a short walk.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, and there is no upper age limit>. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.